Raazi: Alia Bhatt film is textbook example of how to make espionage thrillers sans jingoism
Alia Bhatt in Raazi
The film is a gripping espionage thriller with top performances from its lead actors.
It ultimately takes a woman to tell a tale of patriotism sans jingoism. Meghna Gulzar, who impressed one and all with her taut film Talvar in 2016, is back with another thriller - Raazi. And while the film has its emotions in place, the director, who is also the screenplay writer along with Bhavani Iyer, weaves an intricate espionage thriller which keeps you hooked throughoutits two hours twenty minutes run time. There isn't any dull moment in Meghna Gulzar's Raazi.
The directordives into the main plot from the first itself. Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) is a college-going Kashmiri girl, whose father(Rajit Kapur) is a spy for the Indian intelligence. His dying wish is to send his daughter across the border as it's wartime. He cannot do the job anymore, and he feels his untrained, naive girl has grit and potential to become a spy. So Sehmat is married to Iqbal Syed(Vicky Kaushal), a Pakistani army officer. Iqbal's father is a top ranking army officer himself, who has contacts in the top rung - and hence Sehmat can fit in perfectly in the family and pass on the desired information at home.
The film also boaast some incredible male-actors. Vicky Kaushal as the unsuspecting, good guy Iqbal Syed brings a lot of vulnerability to his character. Kaushal always adapts himself to his characters. Be it in Masaan orRaman Raghav 2.0, or now Raazi, the actor brings in a lot of conviction to all his roles. I wish he had more screen time, but Kaushal reaches out to the audience with his soft, understated performance.
The other actor to watch out for in Raazi is Jaideep Ahlawat. Those who remember him in Gangs Of Wasseypur would know that Ahlawat has the ability to leave an impact despite his screen time. In Raazi, Ahlawat plays the spymaster, who may appear to be devoid of any emotions, but always knows what is right. Ahlwat's performance is sharp and smart making his character a memorable one.
Raazi though has a few things illogical. As it nosedives into the main plot, it takes some time to grasp the political scenario of that era. For those who were born much later, it may take some time to comprehend what is the backdrop of the film. Sehmat's communications with Indian intelligence happens through set up inside the bathroom right next to a big window, which remains open for view from the main entrance of the house. Also, its a family of army officers, yet when things go awry, no one suspects the Indian bahu within them. They all seem to have believed she has converted.
Raazi though overcomes these glitches quite well. From the soulful music by Shankar Ehsan Loy and Gulzar's beautiful lyrics (Ae Watan is my favourite) to editor Nitin Baid's timely cuts which make the thriller overboard to the mellow, matter-of-fact story that doesn't take sides- Raazi is a winner throughout.
Raazi comes at a time when the entire nation is enthused about the idea of nationalism. Yet, the film doesn't do unnecessary bashing, doesn't take sides, and presents a patriotic film - a story that would make you proud of your country and numerous unsung heroes. Which is why the film is relevant for our times.
